Posts tagged “morning coffee”

The 100 mile diet…So this is a new trend. Well, not really new. It has been around for a couple of years, but the concept behind it is to only consume things that come from within 100 miles of where you live. Ok, that wouldn’t be so bad for me. I currently live in Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island and there are so many great foods and goods produced locally (Including beer!!!). I would have to give up a few things though, like my morning coffee…

Wait, I don’t want to give up my morning coffee. Just thinking about the withdrawal gives me a headache. And what about those who produce the coffee? If all of us in North America, and Europe for that matter, gave it up, where would they make their living?

This past weekend was the “Hometown Tourist” Weekend in Ladysmith and it got me thinking about just how much the local area has to offer. There is so much benefit to experience all that is around me. I have taken the time over the past little while to try to find all of the little spots and events that are in my neighbourhood. It is amazing what I have managed to find, including little secluded spots to relax and the swing pictured to the right.

I am not saying that we should live entirely local and not travel outside to other places or consume things that come from elsewhere. Those people make their own wellbeing off of the exports that we purchase from them. If we stopped living globally and all lived entirely locally, there would develop an entire new set of problems. Problems separate from the transport, production, pollution and free trade of goods. I feel that instead we should take from the following quote:

“The best way out is always through.” ~Robert Frost~

We need to discover our own area first before heading out and experiencing the outside world. Even though it may seem a little selfish, take care of yourself and your own area before you try to take care of others. It will make things so much easier and make you and your neighbourhood so much healthier. We need to take care of ourself and live locally. However, we cannot stop thinking globally. There are many others who rely on our current habits for their own wellbeing.